Rally Japan 2024 faced a harsh verdict after a shocking crash which saw a van enter an ongoing stage and stop directly in front of Elfyn Evans’ Toyota Yaris. The FIA handed the organizers a hefty fine of €150,000—of which €100,000 was suspended—after a series of communication and safety failures that could have had catastrophic consequences.
“The Accident: A Van Against the Flow”
During Saturday’s third test (SS12), a blue Nissan van drove 520 meters in the wrong direction, stopping at the start line and blocking Evans’ car. The test was immediately stopped, but the sequence of events revealed serious flaws in the rally’s safety protocols.
The driver of the van breached two checkpoints before entering the ongoing test, evading poorly implemented security measures. Marshals and security staff failed to effectively communicate the breach to rally control, with the first notification coming not from officials, but from Evans’ co-driver Scott Martin, who alerted the Toyota team.
“Judges’ Report Reveals Disturbing Results”
An investigation by the judges exposed a series of shortcomings:
- Lack of Physical Barriers: Checkpoint 5, where the van entered the test, had only tape and personnel as barriers, allowing the vehicle to pass unimpeded.
- Communication Breakdown: Security guards at the breached checkpoints did not notify demonstration control, and marshals on stage were slow to communicate critical information.
- Inadequate Safety Planning: Stewards felt that sufficient safety measures, such as blocks filled with water or parked vehicles blocking access roads, should have been implemented from the start.
Stewards report: “Lack of communication may have contributed to a serious incident. The failure of the organizers to take reasonable measures led to an unsafe situation.”
“Request for Immediate Security Renewal”
In response to the accident, the FIA ordered drastic measures to prevent a recurrence:
Physical Barriers: Blocks filled with water or parked vehicles must now block any access roads.
Enhanced Communication: Marshals radios must be linked directly to demonstration control to ensure immediate reporting.
Emergency Notice: Any future violation of safety protocols would result in the immediate cancellation of the event.
Stewards directive: “The event will be stopped permanently if the emergency plan is compromised or violated.”
“The €150,000 fine: a message for Rally Japan”
The organizers were fined €150,000 for their “failure to take reasonable measures”, with €100,000 suspended under two conditions:
- Mandatory Training: A comprehensive training exercise for marshals on road surveillance and communication must be implemented prior to Rally Japan 2025.
- No Repeat Offense: If a similar incident occurs in 2025, the suspended fine will be activated.
“A problematic past”
This incident was not Rally Japan’s first safety breach:
2022: A vehicle entered a special stage through an unsignalized intersection.
2023: A Zero Car was found parked on the test, nearly causing a collision with the first competition car.
The FIA has highlighted the need for systemic changes to address these recurring problems.
Commissioners’ conclusion: “This problem cannot be considered an isolated event. It is essential to maintain a continuous focus on marshal training and safety measures.”
“Looking to 2025”
To regain its credibility, Rally Japan must implement radical changes. The FIA, in collaboration with the Japan Automobile Federation, will oversee mandatory training and safety improvements. Failure to meet these standards could jeopardize the event’s future in the World Rally Championship.
As the dust settles on this shocking breach, the world of motorsport waits to see if Rally Japan can rebuild trust and prioritize safety in the years to come.
